🍋 Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet
Mediterranean-Inspired
🧺 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, sea bass, or tilapia)
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Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Optional: capers or sliced olives
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Fish
Pat fillets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Pan-Sear
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat.
Add fish and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and flaky.
Transfer to a plate.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium.
Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and capers/olives if using.
Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.
4️⃣ Finish
Return fish to the pan. Spoon sauce over fillets.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
🍽️ Serve With
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Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
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Lemon potatoes
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Herbed couscous or quinoa
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Fresh green salad with olive oil & lemon
🌿 Mediterranean Tips
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Olive oil + butter = flavor balance
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Lemon zest gives aroma without extra acidity
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Fresh herbs keep it vibrant and light
🔁 Variations
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Oven-baked: Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 12–15 minutes, finish with sauce
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Dairy-lighter: Use olive oil only
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Garlic-capers version: Extra briny kick
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Herb-crusted: Add oregano & thyme
